The microprocessor has enabled incredible technological advancements over the past 40 years. It is found in millions of devices but often goes unrecognized for its contributions. Examples of early devices that benefited from microprocessors include calculators in the early 1970s, home computers and laptops in the late 1970s and 1980s, arcade games in the 1980s, and smartphones in the 1990s. More recent devices such as tablets, MP3 players, digital signs, Ultrabooks, and many more rely on increasingly powerful microprocessors.

1. The microprocessor is one of the unsung heroes of the modern era. Like the car designer whose
vehicle gives the racing driver glory, the microprocessor makes quite incredible things possible
all over the world. Each year we benefit from faster and more efficient performance which
improves not just computing, but also numerous fields from retail and industry to agriculture and
vehicle safety. This year, the humble microprocessor celebrates its 40th birthday. Since 1971, it
has become the brain of literally millions of devices - without the microprocessor they would not
have existed.
Let’s take a look at some of the devices the microprocessor has powered over the past 40 years
The Evolution of the
Microprocessor
Commodore PET*
The PET is widely
acknowledged as
the first all-in-one
home computer
Busicom Calculator
The Unicom 141P* calculator was one of the
very first devices to feature a microprocessor.
Computing as we know it started here…
Washing machine
The first microchip-
controlled washing machines
came onto the market,
showing the diverse usages
of the new technology
Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
Ultrabook is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Osborne 1* laptop
With a 5”screen, and
weighing 10.7kg, it really
was the‘great’grandfather
of modern laptops
Arcade mania
Namco introduced
Pac-Man* in the
arcades of the US and
sparked a huge craze
Nintendo NES*
The gaming industry was
revitalised by consoles
such as the Nintendo
Entertainment System
BlackBerry*
The smartphone
revolution kicked off when
RIM introduce the
Blackberry 850
Computing democratised
Business and personal
computing exploded with a
wide range of desktops,
laptops and even early tablets
MP3 Player
The way we listen to
music was forever
changed in the late
1990s with the first
MP3 players
Microsoft Windows*
Tablet
Almost a decade
before the consumer
obsession with tablets,
businesses were using
them for more
functional tasks
Netbook
Netbooks were introduced
as small and lightweight
devices for completing
simple tasks and viewing
media and internet
content on the go
Apple iPod*
The iPod was released ,
and the future of MP3 as
the music format of
choice is set in stone
Apple iPad*
Tablets hit the consumer
mainstream with the
launch of the iPad
Digital Signage
Digital signage is but one of a vast
number of new uses for the
microprocessor. Intelligent,
internet-connected devices are
increasingly found in everyday life
– from industry and retail to
agriculture and vehicles
UltrabookTM
The evolution of the PC
takes another big step as
stylish Ultrabook devices
push forward mobile,
high performance
computing